Tanzania tours & travel

With dozens of national parks and more wildlife than anywhere in East Africa, Tanzania is the ultimate safari experience.

It’s one of the most mountainous and heavily forested countries in East Africa, an expansive country almost half devoted to protection of wildlife. Here in Tanzania, the big five game roam freely through the iconic Ngorongoro Crater and wildebeest migrate through the Serengeti National Park. They’re only a hop away as you trek up Mt Kilimanjaro or drive through the archaeological wonder that is Olduvai Gorge. The climbs, drives and sights of this amazing country are almost endless.

What people say

This trip was amazing and very special, but be prepared for dusty and bumpy roads. Try to learn some of the local language, the guides and staff at the lodges are delighted to help. Do ask for Isaya Emanuel as your guide, you won't be disappointed.

Wendy Newton

Do not book through Peregrine as the service is shocking. I continually had to double check everything and correct their mistakes including being overcharged on several occasions. I ended up booking extra nights and tours myself in Arusha and dealing with companies/hotels directly as it was much easier, cheaper and I knew that it was correct.

Review submitted 06 Oct 2016

Tanzania trip reviews

Our Tanzania trips score an average of 4.79 out of 5
based on 24 reviews in the last year.

Local culture of Tanzania

Local culture of Tanzania

Tanzania is home to over 100 different ethnic groups, most of whom are black Africans. Most of the population is rural, living in the north or along the coast. The population is divided roughly into thirds of Christian, Muslim and Animist communities. Despite their diversity, Tanzanians are unified by their welcoming attitude towards foreigners. Respect the locals by dressing conservatively and always greet by shaking hands with the right hand, as the left is traditionally used for the toilet. Lastly, be sure to accept food and drink when offered as refusing is considered rude.

Geography & environment

Geography & environment

Tanzania sits on the east coast of Africa, surrounded by Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. Tanzania has a long coast along the Indian Ocean and includes the Zanzibar Archipelago and the island of Mafia. Tanzania is covered in mountains and thick forest, and has Africa’s highest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro. It also has three of Africa’s Great Lakes: Lake Victoria which is the largest in Africa, Lake Tanganyika and Lake Nyasa. Fortunately, much of Tanzania’s land is preserved for wildlife conservation and there are an abundance of national parks.

Shopping guide to Tanzania

Shopping guide to Tanzania

Shopping on your Tanzania tour can turn up some great souvenirs to bring back with you. You’ll come across locally made handicrafts, such as traditional woven baskets and bright batik clothing. Tribal art like woodcarvings and masks are also available at markets. A lot of the jewellery sold in Tanzania has an Arabic flavour, as the designs were brought over during Arab rule. Tanzania’s islands, particularly Zanzibar, are known as the Spice Islands, and here you can find rich aromatic spices to bring back home with you.

Tanzania festival calendar

Tanzania festival calendar

Sauti Za Busara Festival

Held in Zanzibar, this music festival brings together the myriad cultures of Tanzania. See performances of both traditional and modern styles of African music.

Karibu Travel and Tourism Fair

It’s one of the biggest fairs in East Africa, with stalls selling everything from safari equipment to handmade furniture and gemstones.

Wanyambo Festival

This cultural festival showcases music and dance from all over Tanzania, with costumes and lots traditional treats.

Food & drink in Tanzania

Food & drink in Tanzania

Tanzania travel offers you the opportunity to experience meal times as the locals do. Like other African countries, the staple here is ugali, a kind of dough or porridge-like cornmeal, served with meat or vegetable sauces. Bananas and plantain, often fried, are another big part of the diet. Eating meat is quite rare among the locals, but on special occasions they cook kid meat and barbecued beef or mutton. Other popular dishes have been introduced from India and the Middle East, such as pilau which is rice mixed with herbs and spices. Meals are served with chai and on special occasions, a banana beer called mbege.

It is recommended you purchase your visa in advance at any Diplomatic or Consulate Mission of the United Republic of Tanzania abroad. The cost is approximately US$100 depending on nationality and should take 1 business day. At the present time you do not require a multi entry visa to Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda due to an agreement between the three countries (eg. if you exit Kenya to Tanzania you can re-enter Kenya on the same visa). However if your trip visits Tanzania twice after a visit to a country other than those listed above, you may need to purchase two visas.
For the purpose of the visa application you can use the following address:
Kibo Palace Hotel
PO Box 2523
Old Moshi Road
Arusha - Tanzania
Phone: +255 272544472
It is also possible to obtain a tourist's visa for a single entry at any one of the following main entry points to Tanzania, subject to the fulfilment of all immigration and health requirements:
-Dar es Salaam International Airport
-Zanzibar International Airport
-Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA)
-Namanga Entry Point (Tanzania-Kenya border point)
-Kasumulu Border crossing
-Isebania Border crossing

Most toilets in Tanzania are squat toilets, however you’ll find Western-style toilets at some hotels and touristy areas. Soap and toilet paper aren’t always provided so you may like to carry some with you.

Drinking tap water is not considered safe in Tanzania. For environmental reasons, avoid buying bottled water and bring a bottle or canteen with you. Ask your leader where you can access filters to refill your supply, or carry your own purification tablets with you.